A few weeks ago I went to New York City with my husband. We stayed in our old neighborhood, where we fell in love with each other and with the city. As we walked the streets I reminisced about our life before parenthood, and thought about what life would be like had we stayed there and raised our children in Manhattan. Standing in front of our old brick tenement apartment building, however, I knew we'd made the right choice in returning to Cleveland.
I know for certain that, had we stayed in Manhattan, my family would never have experienced some of the wonderful activities that we have access to in northeast Ohio. After hearing about the upcoming International Children's Festival coming up at PlayhouseSquare May 3 through 8, I had to find out more.
Colleen Porter, director of the festival, says her goal for the event is to "introduce children to the arts, and help them explore our world." In keeping with that goal, the theme for this year's festival - the first ever - is "celebrating the world we share." The theme is carried out in the performances and exhibits chosen for the festival, which include Puppet State Theatre Company's production of The Man Who Planted Trees, an enlightening puppet show from Scotland about restoring Earth's ecosystem. Told through the eyes of a shepherd, the show is a multi-puppetry adaptation of Jean Giono's beloved fable and book. From Italy's Teatro Di Piazza D’Occassione, the interactive show Farfalle (Butterflies) traces the life cycle of a butterfly. In Coribian: A Glow in the Dark adventure, the great Professor Henslow finds himself on the adventure of a lifetime with a dinosaur named Darwin.
There will also be two live music acts during the festival, The Dream Jam Band and Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience. On the Star Plaza Stage, enjoy free activities including African Soul International dancing and drumming and Sho-Jo-Ji Japanese Dance, along with face painting, crafts, balloons and more for children of all ages. In the lobby of the Allen Theatre, visitors can view an art installation by local artist Melissa Daubert. Entitled OM, the work combines art and audio technology to depict a global village where children and parents can interact with all of the world’s children.
Tickets for the International Children's Festival are on sale now (purchase a two-show package for $20 or single tickets for $14). To find out how to win tickets to The Dream Jam Band performance, click here.
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